A report has given an update on when fans might be able to expect Sasha Banks back in a WWE ring.
The former SmackDown Women’s Champion initially disappeared from WWE television following her loss to Bianca Belair at WrestleMania 37. In her absence, Belair reigned supreme on SmackDown, defeating the likes of Bayley and Carmella.
The Boss made her long-awaited return on the July 30th episode of the blue brand to even the odds as Belair was being attacked by Carmella and Zelina Vega. In the main event of the show, the pair teamed together in tag team action, before Banks put a beatdown of her own on the champion.
The following week, Banks attempted to justify her actions, leading to a title match being set for SummerSlam. However, heading into SummerSlam, both Superstars missed live dates leading to speculation that the match wouldn’t take place. Despite it being suggested that the match wasn’t in doubt, it was later reported that Banks had been pulled from SummerSlam.
These reports were confirmed on the night when Banks didn’t appear and was replaced by Becky Lynch. It was reported shortly after the show that Banks “wasn’t cleared to compete.”
There has been no word from WWE as to why Banks has again disappeared from view.
In response to the speculation, Mike Johnson of PWInsider has reported that The Boss isn’t expected to return on the upcoming edition of SmackDown unless there is a last minute change.
Although it is hoped that Banks will be back on the road for the weekend of September 10th. This would include the ‘Super SmackDown’ taping at Madison Square Garden. The report closes by saying that while it can’t be confirmed 100%, this is the current plan within WWE.
With Sasha Banks out of the picture, Carmella was introduced as Bianca Belair’s new challenger at SummerSlam.
Carmella’s dreams of championship gold would prove to be short-lived as she was quickly taken out by Becky Lynch. This led to a match between Lynch and Belair, which saw The Man win the SmackDown Women’s Championship.